Rescue Punjabis stuck in Russia, MP urges Centre

Rajya Sabha member Satnam Singh Sandhu has urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the return of Punjabi youths stranded in Russia.

In a letter to the MEA, he demanded its “urgent intervention”, saying the youths were allegedly promised lucrative jobs and then forced into joining the Russian army.

“When they reached Russia, these youth were allegedly coerced into signing contracts and forced into training in Russian army and were deployed near the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone,” he added.

“According to media reports, 126 Indian nationals had gone to Russia who later served in the Russian army. Out of them, 96 have been discharged from the army and have returned to India. While 12 Indian nationals have died in the combat, 18 are still there. Out of them, the whereabouts of 16 are not known,” said Sandhu.

Sandhu said he was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the authorities concerned to ensure their safe return. “I also urge our youth and their parents to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to fraudulent agents promising lucrative opportunities abroad,” he said.